The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has expressed significant concern over the U.S. government's imposition of 25% tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico, citing potential disruptions to the forest products industry's intricate supply chains.
The tariffs, implemented on March 4, aim to address border security and drug trafficking but have sparked fears of economic fallout across North America.
Heidi BrockAF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock highlighted the industry's reliance on cross-border trade with Canada and Mexico, valued at over $19 billion annually. She emphasized that the tariffs could destabilize a supply chain refined over decades to efficiently produce essential goods like paper, packaging, and hygiene products. Many U.S. mills depend on Canadian raw materials due to specific fiber quality requirements and logistical advantages.
“The U.S. forest products industry employs more than 925,000 people, largely in rural communities across the country. We rely on Canada and Mexico as key trading partners and strongly encourage them to continue addressing concerns raised by the U.S. government.'' - Heidi Brock, AF&PA President and CEO
About AF&PA
The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance U.S. paper and wood products manufacturers through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. The forest products industry is circular by nature. AF&PA member companies make essential products from renewable and recyclable resources, generate renewable bioenergy and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative —Better Practices, Better Planet 2030: Sustainable Products for a Sustainable Future. The forest products industry accounts for approximately 5% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures about $350 billion in products annually and employs about 925,000 people. The industry meets a payroll of about $65 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 44 states. Visit AF&PA online at afandpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ForestandPaper.
